I love British Columbia. I mean, really-really-really love it... and to celebrate I went to Barkerville... who happen to be celebrating their 150th anniversary. Barkerville is a one hour drive east from Quesnel, but that really doesn't tell the story. I should say that it is a one hour safari drive from Quesnel as you have a good chance of seeing bears, moose, deer, mountain caribou (if you are super lucky) and porcupine.
On arrival at Barkerville we were greeted by the staff and given tour maps and information on activities happening everyday. You see, Barkerville, isn't a regular historic site or park - it is history alive - historical actors walk the site and tell the story from 1860's gold rush. On this trip we got to watch the cornish water wheel in action and hear the story of mining operations - with a special use of 'gription' and how miners worked 55 feet below the earth digging out the space they were tucked into in order to find gold.
On arrival at Barkerville we were greeted by the staff and given tour maps and information on activities happening everyday. You see, Barkerville, isn't a regular historic site or park - it is history alive - historical actors walk the site and tell the story from 1860's gold rush. On this trip we got to watch the cornish water wheel in action and hear the story of mining operations - with a special use of 'gription' and how miners worked 55 feet below the earth digging out the space they were tucked into in order to find gold.
After a great performance we headed over to the Lung Duck Tong - the most fantastic Chinese food restaurant outside of Vancouver - authentic, amazing, yummerific!
Chinese tea to start, then a little bit of dim sum and then vegetarian bird's nest and a spicy szechwan beef dish... sooooo good! This was worth the visit all on its own - I'm a chicken kind of tiger, but went for the beef on this trip.
Then off for some more touring and shopping... you see Barkerville has a jewelry store, a tea and tea accessory store, Mason & Daly Store with period clothing, kid's toys and candy, plus a number of other shops - you can also gold pan on site. We did a little shopping...
Yes, my happy sidekicks, David and April, played dress up in Mason & Daly and yes, they took stuff home. It was a fun day for all. I went home with some sour dough bread from the Bakery (yum) and wine gums from the candy store (ok, those didn't make it home).
So with many bags in hand and having learned a little more about the history of our province and the Cariboo, we headed back to the car for our safari ride home. A fantastic adventure and I highly recommend everyone going to Barkerville this summer - it is worth the trip!
Ned
Oh wait... I couldn't close out this post without one last picture - me at St Savior's Church in Barkerville - a beautiful building in the heart of the historic town.
ps. We plan to head back out for the Gold Panning Championships that are happening in Barkerville this summer - August - learn more about Barkerville at www.barkerville.ca and join us in celebrating 150 years!
